WHEEL ARCH CAVITY COVER ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A vehicle defines a forward and a reverse direction along a longitudinal axis, a right and a left direction along a transverse axis, and an upward and a downward direction along a vertical axis, and comprises a wheel arch cavity, a wheel positioned within the wheel arch cavity, and a wheel arch cavity cover assembly comprising a front cover plate that covers at least a front portion of a lower opening of the wheel arch cavity. The front cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a front portion of the wheel is rotated toward the front cover plate.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject of the disclosure concerns vehicles and in particular a wheel arch cavity cover for a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0002] In an exemplary embodiment, a wheel arch cavity cover arrangement for a vehicle defines a forward and a reverse direction along a longitudinal axis, a right and a left direction along a transverse axis, and an upward and a downward direction along a vertical axis, wherein the vehicle comprises a wheel within a wheel arch cavity and includes a front cover plate configured to cover at least a front portion of a lower opening of the wheel arch cavity. The front cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a front portion of the wheel is rotated toward the front cover plate.

[0003] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the wheel arch cavity cover further comprises a fixed cover plate which is positioned in the rear direction of the front cover plate and is configured to be fixed in relation to the vehicle.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the wheel arch cavity cover further comprises a rear cover plate positioned in the reverse direction of the front cover plate and configured to cover at least a rear portion of the lower opening of the wheel arch cavity. The rear cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a rear portion of the wheel is rotated toward the rear cover plate.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the front cover plate moves in a direction along the transverse axis.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the front cover plate is configured to rotate around a pivot joint.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the wheel arch cavity cover further comprises a fixed cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the front cover plate and configured to be fixed relative to the vehicle. The pivot joint is located on the fixed cover plate.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the front cover plate is structured as a multitude of panels that rotate around the pivot joint.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the front cover plate is formed as a partial disk that rotates around the pivot joint.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the rear cover plate includes one or more vent openings extending through it along the vertical axis.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle defines a forward and a reverse direction along a longitudinal axis, a right and a left direction along a transverse axis, and an upward and a downward direction along a vertical axis, and comprises a wheel arch cavity, a wheel positioned within the wheel arch cavity, and a wheel arch cavity cover assembly comprising a front cover plate that covers at least a front portion of a lower opening of the wheel arch cavity. The front cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a front portion of the wheel is rotated toward the front cover plate.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises a fixed cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the front cover plate and fixed in relation to the vehicle.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the wheel arch cavity cover arrangement further comprises a rear cover plate positioned in the reverse direction of the front cover plate and covering at least a rear portion of the lower opening of the wheel arch cavity, and the rear cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a rear portion of the wheel is rotated towards the rear cover plate.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises a steering assembly including a tie rod coupled to the wheel to rotate the wheel. The front cover plate is coupled to the tie rod and is thus movable.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises a steering assembly including a steering knuckle coupled to the wheel. The front cover plate is coupled to the steering knuckle and is therefore movable.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle also includes an actuation system configured to be actuated to move the front cover plate.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the actuating system comprises an actuator consisting of a shaft movable along the transverse axis, a linkage coupled to the shaft and rotatable about a fixed joint, and an end linkage coupled to the linkage and the front cover plate. As the shaft moves along the transverse axis, the linkage rotates about the fixed joint and moves the end linkage, and the end linkage moves the front cover plate at least partially along the transverse axis.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises a steering assembly including a transverse control arm. The wheel arch cavity cover assembly further comprises a fixed cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the front cover plate and fixed relative to the vehicle, and a rear cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the fixed cover plate and configured to cover at least a rear portion of the lower opening of the wheel arch cavity. The fixed cover plate overlaps the transverse control arm at least partially along the vertical axis. The rear cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a rear portion of the wheel is rotated toward the rear cover plate.

[0019] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle defines a forward direction and a reverse direction along a longitudinal axis, a right direction and a left direction along a transverse axis, and an upward direction and a downward direction along a vertical axis, and comprises a wheel arch cavity, a right wheel positioned within the right wheel arch cavity, a left wheel arch cavity, a left wheel positioned within the left wheel arch cavity, a right wheel arch cavity cover assembly, and a left wheel arch cavity cover assembly.The right wheel arch cavity cover assembly comprises a right front cover plate covering at least a front portion of a right lower opening of the right wheel arch cavity, wherein the right front cover plate is configured to move at least partially to the left when a front portion of the right wheel is rotated to the left, a right fixed cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the right front cover plate and fixed with respect to the vehicle, and a right rear cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the right fixed cover plate, covering at least a rear portion of the right lower opening of the right wheel arch cavity, wherein the right rear cover plate is configured to move at least partially to the left when a rear portion of the right wheel is rotated to the left.The left wheel arch cavity cover assembly comprises a left front cover plate covering at least a front portion of a left lower opening of the left wheel arch cavity, the left front cover plate being configured to move at least partially in the right direction when a front portion of the left wheel is rotated to the right, a left fixed cover plate positioned in the rear direction of the left front cover plate and fixed with respect to the vehicle, and a left rear cover plate positioned in the rear direction of the left fixed cover plate, covering at least a rear portion of the left lower opening of the left wheel arch cavity, the left rear cover plate being configured to move at least partially in the right direction when a rear portion of the left wheel is rotated to the right.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises an actuation system. The actuation system comprises one or more actuators, including a first right shaft, a first left shaft, a second right shaft, and a second left shaft, each of which is movable along the transverse axis; a first right linkage coupled to the first right shaft and rotatable about a first right fixed joint; a first right end linkage coupled to the first right linkage and the right rear cover plate; a first left linkage coupled to the first left shaft and rotatable about a first left fixed joint; a first left end linkage coupled to the first left linkage and the left front cover plate; and a second right linkage coupled to the second right shaft and rotatable about a second right fixed joint.A second right end linkage coupled to the second right linkage and the right front cover plate, a second left linkage coupled to the second left shaft and rotatable about a second left fixed joint, and a second left end linkage coupled to the second left linkage and the left front cover plate. When the first right shaft moves clockwise, the first right linkage rotates about the first right fixed joint and moves the first right end linkage, and the first right end linkage moves the right front cover plate at least partially counterclockwise. When the second right shaft moves clockwise, the second right linkage rotates about the second right fixed joint and moves the second right end linkage.and the second right end linkage moves the right rear cover plate at least partially counterclockwise. When the second left shaft moves counterclockwise, the second left linkage rotates around the second left fixed joint and moves the second left end linkage, and the second left end linkage moves the left front cover plate at least partially clockwise.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the vehicle further comprises a steering assembly comprising a right tie rod coupled to a right steering knuckle, the right steering knuckle being coupled to the right wheel to rotate the right wheel, and a left tie rod coupled to a left steering knuckle, the left steering knuckle being coupled to the left wheel to rotate the left wheel. At least one of the right front cover plates and the right rear cover plate is coupled to the right tie rod or the right steering knuckle and is thus movable. At least one of the left front cover plates and the left rear cover plate is coupled to the left tie rod or the left steering knuckle and is thus movable.

[0022] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 a side view of a vehicle having a right and left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 2 is a schematic underside view of a vehicle having a right and left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 3 a front view of a steering arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 4 a perspective underside view of a left wheel arch cavity according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 5 a schematic underside view of the vehicle Fig. 2 is when the vehicle is turned to the right according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 6 a schematic underside view of the vehicle Fig. 2 is when the vehicle is turned to the left according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 7A is a schematic underside view of a vehicle having a left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 7B a perspective view of the left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement of Fig. 7A is; Fig. 8A is a schematic underside view of a vehicle having a left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 8B a perspective view of the left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement of Fig. 8A is; Fig. 9A is a bottom view of a left rear cover plate according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 9B is a bottom view of a right rear cover plate according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 9C is a perspective view of a left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. Figure 9D is a perspective view of a left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 10A is a schematic bottom view of a first actuation system according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 10B is a schematic bottom view of a first actuation system according to one or more embodiments; and Fig. 11 is a schematic underside view of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its use. It is understood that in the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote identical or corresponding parts and features.

[0025] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a vehicle 10 according to a non-restrictive example. The vehicle 10 extends along a longitudinal axis Ax1 and defines a forward direction Dfo and a reverse direction Dre along the longitudinal axis Ax1. The vehicle 10 further defines a left direction Dle and a right direction Dri along a transverse axis Ax2, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Ax1, as well as an upward direction Dup and a downward direction Ddo along a vertical axis Ax3, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis Ax1 and the transverse axis Ax2. The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 12, which is supported on a right front wheel 16R, a left front wheel 16L, and one or more rear wheels 17. The vehicle body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20, in which a steering wheel 23 may be arranged. The right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L may be steerable via the steering wheel 23.The vehicle body 12 further defines, in part, a drive unit compartment 14, in which a drive unit is housed. The drive unit can be, for example, an internal combustion engine, a motor, or both an internal combustion engine and a motor in a hybrid configuration. The vehicle body 12 can further include a front door 18 and a rear door 19. The vehicle 10 further includes an underbody 50, which generally extends in a plane encompassing the longitudinal axis Ax1 and the transverse axis Ax2.

[0026] The vehicle 10 comprises a right wheel arch cavity 25R in which the right front wheel 16R is positioned, and a left wheel arch cavity 25L in which the left front wheel 16L is positioned. The right wheel arch cavity 25R defines a right lower opening 26R, and the left wheel arch cavity 25L defines a left lower opening 26L. The vehicle 10 may further comprise a right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R positioned below the right wheel arch cavity 25R to cover at least a portion of the right lower opening 26R, and a left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L positioned below the left wheel arch cavity 25L to cover at least a portion of the left lower opening 26L.The right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R can cover at least one section of the right lower opening 26R of the right wheel arch cavity 25R between the right front wheel 16R and the underbody 50, and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L can cover at least one section of the right lower opening 26L of the left wheel arch cavity 25L between the left front wheel 16L and the underbody 50.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R comprises a right fixed cover plate 115R, a right front cover plate 111R in front of the right fixed cover plate 115R, and a right rear cover plate 113R behind the right fixed cover plate 115R. According to one or more embodiments, a gap 99 is formed between the right front cover plate 111R and the right fixed cover plate 115R and / or between the right fixed cover plate 115R and the right rear cover plate 113R. Alternatively, the right fixed cover plate 115R can be flush with or overlap the right front cover plate 111R and / or the right rear cover plate 113R.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L comprises a left fixed cover plate 115L, a left front cover plate 111L in front of the left fixed cover plate 115L, and a left rear cover plate 113L behind the left fixed cover plate 115L. According to one or more embodiments, a gap 99 is formed between the left front cover plate 111L and the left fixed cover plate 115L and / or between the left fixed cover plate 115L and the left rear cover plate 113L. Alternatively, the left fixed cover plate 115L can be flush with or overlap the left front cover plate 111L and / or the left rear cover plate 113L.

[0029] The right front cover plate 111R, the right rear cover plate 113R, the right fixed cover plate 115R, the left front cover plate 111L, the left rear cover plate 113L and / or the left fixed cover plate 115L may be made of plastic, composite material or other materials known in engineering. For example, a material may be used that deforms only minimally under pressure.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 represents a non-restrictive example of the steering arrangement 70 of a vehicle 10 and the structures associated with the steering arrangement 70. The steering arrangement 70 comprises a transverse arm 71, which is coupled via a ball joint 72 to a steering knuckle 15 of the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L. Fig. Figure 4 represents a left wheel arch cavity 25L in which the steering knuckle 15, the tie rod 77, and the control arm 71 are arranged. A rack and pinion assembly 79 is coupled to the control arm 71 via control arm bushings 73 and rack and pinion bushings 74. An inner sleeve assembly 76 is arranged at each end of the rack and pinion assembly 79, which is coupled to a tie rod 77, with an outer tie rod end 78 on each of the tie rods 77. A bellows 75 is formed over the inner sleeve assembly 76. A stabilizer bar 80 may be connected to the control arm 71 near its transverse ends. The steering knuckle 15 of the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L can further be connected to a suspension assembly 60 comprising a strut 61, a coil spring 62 and an upper mounting plate and a bearing 63.

[0031] The steering wheel 23 can be operatively connected to the tie rod 77 via the rack and pinion structure 79 and the inner sleeve assembly 76. The steering wheel 23 can be rotated by the driver of the vehicle 10 to move the tie rod 77 via the rack and pinion structure 79 and the inner sleeve assembly 76 in the direction Dri to the right and Dle to the left. One or more components of the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L can be connected to the control arm 71, the tie rod 77 and / or the steering knuckle 15.

[0032] As a non-restrictive example, the right front cover plate 111R and / or the right rear cover plate 113R of the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and the left front cover plate 111L and / or the left rear cover plate 113L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L can be mounted on or connected to the tie rod 77 (e.g., the outer tie rod end 78 and / or the steering knuckle 15) so that they are movable with the tie rod 77 and / or the steering knuckle 15. As a non-restrictive example, the left fixed cover plate 115L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L and the right fixed cover plate 115R of the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R can be mounted on or connected to the control arm 71.

[0033] The longitudinally oriented arrangement of the right front cover plate 111R, the right fixed cover plate 115R and the right rear cover plate 113R, which in Fig. Figure 2 can be considered a first configuration of the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R, and the longitudinally oriented arrangement of the left front cover plate 111L, the left fixed cover plate 115L and the left rear cover plate 113L, which is shown in Fig. The figures shown in 2 can be considered a first configuration of the left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement 100L.

[0034] When the driver operates the steering wheel 23 to turn the vehicle 10 to the right (e.g., by rotating the steering wheel 23 clockwise), the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L are turned into the Fig. 5 orientations shown. When the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L are in the orientation shown Fig. When rotating in the 5 illustrated orientations, the right rear cover plate 113R moves to the left (Dle) and the left front cover plate 111L moves to the right (Dri). Therefore, when the vehicle is rotated 10 times to the right, the right front wheel 16R does not collide with the right rear cover plate 113R and the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left front cover plate 111L.

[0035] When the steering wheel 23 is operated by the driver to turn the vehicle 10 to the left (e.g., by rotating the steering wheel 23 counterclockwise), the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L are turned into the Fig. 6 orientations shown. When the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L are in the orientation shown Fig. When rotating in the 6 illustrated orientations, the right front cover plate 111R moves to the left (Dle) and the left rear cover plate 113L moves to the right (Dri). Therefore, when the vehicle is rotated 10 times to the left, the right front wheel 16R does not collide with the right front cover plate 111R and the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left rear cover plate 113L.

[0036] Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B represents a left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L according to one or more embodiments. The left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L comprises a left fixed cover plate 215L with a left front cover plate 211L, which is structured as a plurality of panels on a front face of the left fixed cover plate 215L, and a left rear cover plate 213L, which is structured as a plurality of panels on a rear face of the left fixed cover plate 215L. The left front cover plate 211L and / or the left rear cover plate 213L can be rotatably connected to the left fixed cover plate 215L via a pivot joint 216L.

[0037] As a non-restrictive example, the left front cover plate 211L and / or the left rear cover plate 213L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L can be attached to or connected with the tie rod 77 (e.g., the outer tie rod end 78) and / or the steering knuckle 15, such that they are movable with the tie rod 77 and / or the steering knuckle 15. As a non-restrictive example, the left fixed cover plate 215L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L can be attached to or connected with the control arm 71.

[0038] The left front cover plate 211L, the left rear cover plate 213L and / or the left fixed cover plate 215L can be made of plastic, composite material or other materials known in engineering. For example, a material can be used that deforms only minimally under pressure.

[0039] When the steering wheel 23 is operated by the driver to turn the vehicle 10 to the right (e.g. by rotating the steering wheel 23 clockwise), the left front cover plate 211L rotates about the pivot joint 216L in the clockwise direction to overlap with the left fixed cover plate 215L, so that the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left front cover plate 211L.

[0040] When the steering wheel 23 is operated by the driver to turn the vehicle 10 to the left (e.g. by turning the steering wheel 23 counterclockwise), the left rear cover plate 213L rotates about the pivot joint 216L in the clockwise direction to overlap with the left fixed cover plate 215L, so that the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left rear cover plate 213L.

[0041] Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B represents a left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L according to one or more embodiments. The left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L comprises a left fixed cover plate 315L with a left front cover plate 311L, structured as a partial disk on a front surface of the left fixed cover plate 315L, and a left rear cover plate 313L, structured as a partial disk on a rear surface of the left fixed cover plate 315L. The left front cover plate 311L and / or the left rear cover plate 313L can be rotatably connected to the left fixed cover plate 315L via a pivot joint 316L. According to one or more embodiments, the left front cover plate 311L and the left rear cover plate 313L can form a single structure that rotates together around the pivot joint 316L.

[0042] As a non-restrictive example, the left front cover plate 311L and / or the left rear cover plate 313L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L can be attached to or connected with the tie rod 77 (e.g., the outer tie rod end 78) and / or the steering knuckle 15, so that they are movable with the tie rod 77 and / or the steering knuckle 15. As a non-restrictive example, the left fixed cover plate 315L and / or the pivot joint 316L of the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L can be attached to or connected with the control arm 71.

[0043] When the steering wheel 23 is operated by the driver to turn the vehicle 10 to the right (e.g. by rotating the steering wheel 23 clockwise), the left front cover plate 311L rotates about the pivot joint 316L in the right direction to rotate into a front slot 317L formed in the left fixed cover plate 315L, so that the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left front cover plate 311L.

[0044] When the steering wheel 23 is operated by the driver to turn the vehicle 10 to the left (e.g. by rotating the steering wheel 23 counterclockwise), the left rear cover plate 313L rotates about the pivot joint 316L in the right direction to rotate into a rear slot 318L formed in the left fixed cover plate 315L, so that the left front wheel 16L does not collide with the left rear cover plate 313L.

[0045] The right front cover plate 311R, the right rear cover plate 313R, the right fixed cover plate 215R, the left front cover plate 311L, the left rear cover plate 313L and / or the left fixed cover plate 315L may be made of plastic, composite material or other materials known in engineering. For example, a material may be used that deforms only minimally under pressure.

[0046] As in Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the left rear cover plate 113L may include one or more left vents 114L to allow air and / or water to escape from a rear section of the left wheel arch cavity 25L, and the right rear cover plate 113R may include one or more right vents 114R to allow air and / or water to escape from a rear section of the right wheel arch cavity 25R. The left vents 114L and the right vents 114R may be sized to allow water to pass through them. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B represents three left vent openings 114L and three right vent openings 114R, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any number of left vent openings 114L and any number of right vent openings 114R may be arranged.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9C, the left rear cover plate 213L may include one or more left vent openings 214L to allow air and / or water to escape from within a rear section of the left wheel arch cavity 25L, and as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9D, the left rear cover plate 313L may include one or more left vent openings 314L to allow air and / or water to escape from a rear section of the left wheel arch cavity 25L.

[0048] Although the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R, the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L, the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L, and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L have been described above as a passive mechanism that moves with mechanisms for rotating the right front wheel 16R and the left front wheel 16L, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 10A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, the vehicle 10 can include a first actuation system 120, which is actuated when the vehicle 10 is turned to the left to move the left rear cover plate 113L and the right front cover plate 111R, and a second actuation system 130, which is actuated when the vehicle 10 is turned to the right to move the right rear cover plate 113R and the left front cover plate 111L.

[0049] The first actuating system 120 can comprise a first actuator 121 with a first right shaft 122R and a first left shaft 122L. The first actuator 121 can include a motor and gears (not shown) to drive the first right shaft 122R and the first left shaft 122L so that they move in the right direction Dri and in the left direction Dle. The right front cover plate 111R is coupled to a first right end linkage 125R, and the left rear cover plate 113L is coupled to a first left end linkage 125L. The first right shaft 122R and the first right end linkage 125R are coupled to opposite ends of a first right linkage 123R, and the first left shaft 122L and the first left end linkage 125L are coupled to opposite ends of a first left linkage 123L.The first right linkage 123R is rotatably attached to a first right fixed joint 124R in order to be rotatable around the first right fixed joint 124R, and the first left linkage 123L is rotatably attached to a first left fixed joint 124L in order to be rotatable around the first left fixed joint 124L. When the first actuator 121 moves the first right shaft 122R in the right direction Dri and the first left shaft 122L in the left direction Dle, the first right linkage 123R and the first left linkage 123L are each rotated about the first right fixed joint 124R and the first left fixed joint 124L, respectively, to pull the first right end linkage 125R and the right front cover plate 111R coupled to it in the left direction Dle and to pull the first left end linkage 125L and the left rear cover plate 113L coupled to it in the left direction Dle.

[0050] The second actuating system 130 can include a second actuator 131 with a second right shaft 132R and a second left shaft 132L. The second actuator 131 can include a motor and gears (not shown) to drive the second right shaft 132R and the second left shaft 132L so that they move in the right direction Dri and in the left direction Dle. The left front cover plate 111L is coupled to a second left end linkage 135L, and the right rear cover plate 113R is coupled to a second right end linkage 135R. The second right shaft 132R and the second right end linkage 135R are coupled to opposite ends of a second right linkage 133R, and the second left shaft 132L and the second left end linkage 135L are coupled to opposite ends of a second left linkage 133L.The second right linkage 133R is rotatably mounted on a second right fixed joint 134R in order to be rotatable around the second right fixed joint 134R, and the second left linkage 133L is rotatably mounted on a second left fixed joint 134L in order to be rotatable around the second left fixed joint 134L. When the second actuator 131 moves the second right shaft 132R in the right direction Dri and the second left shaft 132L in the left direction Dle, the second right linkage 133R and the second left linkage 133L are each rotated about the second right fixed joint 134R and the second left fixed joint 134L, respectively, to pull the second right end linkage 135R and the right rear cover plate 113R coupled to it in the left direction Dle and to pull the second left end linkage 135L and the left front cover plate 111L coupled to it in the left direction Dle.

[0051] The first actuating system 120 and the second actuating system 130 can also be used to move the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L. Although the first actuator 121 and the second actuator 131 are shown as separate structures, according to one or more embodiments, the first actuator 121 and the second actuator 131 can form a single actuator comprising the first right shaft 122R, the first left shaft 122L, the second right shaft 132R, and the second left shaft 132L.

[0052] The vehicle 10 may further include a controller (not shown) that controls the first actuator 121 and / or the second actuator 131 based on the orientations of the right front wheel 16R and / or the left front wheel 16L, which are detected by one or more rotary position sensors (not shown). Alternatively, the controller may receive signals from a processor in the vehicle that tracks the orientation of the right front wheel 16R and / or the left front wheel 16L.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, the right front cover plate 111R, the right rear cover plate 113R, the left front cover plate 111L, and / or the left rear cover plate 113L can be positioned lower than the underbody 50 of the vehicle 10 to allow its lateral movement and to overlap the underbody 50 along the vertical axis Ax3. Alternatively, recesses or slots (not shown) can be incorporated into the underbody 50 to allow the right front cover plate 111R, the right rear cover plate 113R, the left front cover plate 111L, and / or the left rear cover plate 113L to move laterally over and overlap the underbody 50.The right fixed cover plate 115R and / or the left fixed cover plate 115L can be aligned with the underbody 50, arranged higher or lower than the underbody 50 and / or arranged in a plane with the right front cover plate 111R, the right rear cover plate 113R, the left front cover plate 111L and / or the left rear cover plate 113L.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, the left front cover plate 211L, the left rear cover plate 213L and / or the left fixed cover plate 215L can be arranged higher than, lower than or aligned with the underbody 50 of the vehicle 10.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the left front cover plate 311L, the left rear cover plate 313L and / or the left fixed cover plate 315L can be arranged higher than, lower than or aligned with the underbody 50 of the vehicle 10.

[0056] Although only the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 200L and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 300L are shown and described, similar structures reversed with respect to the longitudinal axis Ax1 can be used as a right wheel arch cavity cover assembly.

[0057] The airflow around a vehicle's front wheels can be complex. For example, turbulent flow separation around the front and rear wheels, deflectors, wheel arch cavities, and suspension rods that disrupt the free airflow while driving, and the associated drag, can account for more than 30% of the total drag acting on the vehicle.

[0058] The right wheel arch cavity cover arrangement 100R and the left wheel arch cavity cover arrangement 100L, 200L, 300L according to one or more embodiments prevent at least a portion of the airflow from entering the right lower opening 26R into the right wheel arch cavity 25R and from entering the left lower opening 26L into the left wheel arch cavity 25L. This results in a comparatively uniform airflow around the right and left front wheels 16R, 16L, which can lead to a reduction of the total aerodynamic drag acting on the vehicle 10 by 2-5%, although the present disclosure is not limited to a specific reduction in total aerodynamic drag. As a non-limiting example, the airflow 90, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, the air flows under the right front cover plate 111R, the right rear cover plate 113R, and the right fixed cover plate 115R of the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R, instead of entering the right wheel arch cavity 25R. According to one or more embodiments, the front wheel deflectors can advantageously be made smaller due to the more uniform airflow. Although the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L, 200L, 300L can cover sections of the right and left floor section 26R, 26L of the right and left wheel arch cavity 25R, 25L, the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L, 200L, 300L are configured to move when the right and left front wheel 16R, 16L is rotated in order to avoid collisions with the right and left front wheel 16R, 16L.

[0059] Although the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L, 200L, 300L are shown with both front and rear cover plates, according to one or more embodiments the right wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100R and / or the left wheel arch cavity cover assembly 100L, 200L, 300L may have only the front cover plate(s) and no rear cover plate(s), thus allowing air to escape from the right and left wheel arch cavities 25R, 25L and / or under the hood through the rear sections of the right and left lower openings 26R, 26L.

[0060] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the mentioned items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the entire description refers to "an aspect," this means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with the aspect is encompassed in at least one of the aspects described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that the described elements can be combined in any suitable way across the various aspects.

[0061] When an element such as a layer, film, area, or substrate is described as lying "on" another element, it may lie directly on top of the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is described as lying "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as generally understood by an expert in the technology to which this disclosure belongs.

[0063] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made and equivalent elements substituted without altering its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without altering its essential scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather to encompass all embodiments that fall within its scope.

Claims

[1] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement for a vehicle, defining a forward direction and a reverse direction along a longitudinal axis, a right direction and a left direction along a transverse axis, and an upward direction and a downward direction along a vertical axis, wherein the vehicle includes a wheel within a wheel arch cavity, the wheel arch cavity cover arrangement includes a front cover plate configured to cover at least a front portion of a lower opening of the wheel arch cavity, the front cover plate being configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a front portion of the wheel is rotated towards the front cover plate. [2] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed cover plate positioned in the rear direction of the front cover plate and configured to be fixed in relation to the vehicle. [3] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a rear cover plate positioned in the rearward direction of the front cover plate and configured to cover at least a rear section of the lower opening of the wheel arch cavity, wherein the rear cover plate is configured to move at least partially along the transverse axis when a rear section of the wheel is rotated towards the rear cover plate. [4] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the front cover plate moves in one direction along the transverse axis. [5] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the front cover plate is configured to rotate about a pivot joint. [6] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 5, further comprising a fixed cover plate positioned in the rear direction of the front cover plate and configured to be fixed in relation to the vehicle, wherein the pivot joint is arranged on the fixed cover plate. [7] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the front cover plate is structured as a plurality of panels which rotate about the pivot joint. [8] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the front cover plate is formed as a partial disk which rotates about the pivot joint. [9] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the rear cover plate comprises one or more vent openings extending along the vertical axis therethrough. [10] Wheel arch cavity cover arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the front cover plate is coupled to a tie rod of a steering arrangement coupled to the wheel in order to rotate the wheel, wherein the front cover plate is movable with the tie rod.

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